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Hunting and Trapping

Hunting

Big Thicket National Preserve issues free hunting permits for several units of the preserve, enabling hunters to harvest white-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits, waterfowl, and feral hogs. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis at the preserve visitor center. In 2018, these will be issued beginning September 1st. Hunters must have their current Texas hunting license in order to get a hunting permit.

Hunters may get a permit for only one unit. After the end of the general season, hunters may continue to hunt feral hogs only in all hunting units in the preserve except Lake Bayou through February 28. The preserve does not observe any state hunting seasons that fall outside of archery season and general season.

The Lake Bayou Hunting Area was opened for hunting in 2017 and is located in the Beaumont Unit. Comprised primarily of marshlands, It is open only for waterfowl hunting and requires a boat to access.

Hunting Unit Maps

Big Thicket National Preserve issues free trapping permits for several units of the preserve. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis through the preserve's Resource Management office. Hunters must have their current Texas trapping license in order to get a permit. For more information contact the wildlife biologist at 409-951-6823.